The Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County recently held their volunteer appreciation event. “We always look forward to this annual event to show our appreciation and thank our volunteers for all they do throughout the year,” said Carrie Higgins, Program Director for the Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition. Valparaiso Police Department’s Captain Joe Hall, Chair of the executive committee of the coalition, recognized the volunteers by presenting them with awards. “In affiliation with the Valparaiso University College of Nursing and Health Professions, we work in Porter County as a part of the Indiana Prevention and Cessation Division at the Indiana Department of Health to prevent tobacco use, and to promote smoke free air and to help people quit smoking and vaping,” Higgins said. “We recognize individuals and organizations who have worked on advocacy issues and educated schools, property owners, patients, citizens and workers about cessation and prevention of smoking and secondhand smoke, in addition to the current epidemic of electronic cigarettes.”
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Many of the volunteers are involved in healthcare and behavioral health. Donna Golob, Executive Director of A Positive Approach to Teen Health (PATH), along with PATH, was awarded the North Star Partner Award in recognition of individual and organizational efforts to promote a smoke free lifestyle for their employees, clients and community.
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Honorees Nicole Otis, Outreach Program Director for Community Advocates of Northern Indiana, and Jennifer Eades, Community Relations Specialist for NorthShore Health Centers, were awarded the Rising Star Award which recognizes new members who consistently and proactively engage in coalition efforts.
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Denise Carpenter, Outreach and Communications Manager at NorthShore Health Centers, received the Star Leadership Award for outstanding service and leadership to the coalition. “Denise is passionate about tobacco education and prevention and continually provides assistance and helpful ideas that help make our work more effective and efficient,” said Higgins.
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Other honorees included Valparaiso Police Department Captain Joe Hall, who received the Tobacco Education and Prevention’s Media Superstar Award for providing support and promoting the efforts and resources of the coalition, while Dr. Theresa Kessler and Professor Karen Hernes with the Valparaiso University College of Nursing and Health Professions received the Gold Star Award for providing extraordinary service and dedication to Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County (TEPCPC) efforts.
“While we have many amazing volunteers and partner organization members on the TEPCPC, these seven members went above and beyond this past year. Without each and every coalition member, we would not be able to provide resources and education to improve the health of Porter County citizens. We are so thankful to each and every one of them.” Said Higgins. You can hear more about the event and efforts of the Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County from Program Director Carolyn Higgins at Region Newsmakers at News Audio on Demand here at our website.
